MANDATED REPORTING

EDUCATORS AS MANDATED REPORTERS

“Schools are the primary places where children are seen every day by trained professionals who can observe their appearance and behavior. For this reason, educators are mandated reporters. A teacher or principal may be the only person who steps forward to protect the child’s best interests.”

-North Dakota Department of Human Services

WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY? Mandatory reporters who willfully fail to report suspected abuse or

neglect can be charged with a class B misdemeanor. Making a report to your supervisor does not constitute meeting legal

requirements for reporting. You must submit a report to CPS. Any person who participates “in good faith” in reporting, providing

information, or otherwise assisting Child Protection Services (CPS) is immune from civil or criminal liability.

The identity of the reporter is protected by law, however, it may become known to the family if the case is brought into court or if it is part of a police report, which is public record.

It is not required to report the suspicions of a third party if, using your professional judgment, you do not suspect that child abuse or neglect occurred.

PROCESS FOR REPORTING

Abuse or neglect is suspected

Fill out a 960 form and send

to Social Services for

review

Social services will ensure immediate safety and investigate

Social services will determine

whether services are

required

COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICES

Emmons CountyPhone: (701) 254-4502Fax: (701) 254-4503Hours: 8:00-5:00

Burleigh CountyPhone: (701) 222-6622Fax: (701) 222-6644 Hours: 8:00-5:00

MANDATED REPORTER TRAINING

http://www.pcand.org/NDDHS/mandatedreportertraining/index.html

Or go to www.pcand.org and click on “Mandated Reporter Training” in the yellow box on the right.

When you finish, print the certificate and submit to Mr. Hanzal. You will also receive an email stating that

you’ve completed the training.